These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Gullit and Di Matteo back Lampard

Former Chelsea managers Ruud Gullit and Roberto Di Matteo have told Sky Sports that Frank Lampard can thrive if the Blues name him to succeed Maurizio Sarri as head coach.

With Sarri leaving to take charge of Juventus, the Derby manager has been touted by most media outlets as the leading candidate to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

And while Lampard has only one season of experience as a manager behind him, Gullit feels that his lack of experience should not count against the Chelsea legend.

‘Look, he has done nothing yet as a coach. [But] they gave me this opportunity as well and we won, so that [inexperience] has nothing to do with it,’ said the Dutchman, who led Chelsea to FA Cup success in his first season as player-manager in 1996/97.

‘I think it's important for Chelsea that they have someone in charge they can relate to. I hope also they can get the right people around him who can help him.

‘He must not make the mistake to get friends there, he has to make sure he gets some people there who have experience in managing and coaching teams. That will be the best thing for him.’

Meanwhile, Di Matteo, who managed Lampard when the Blues won the FA Cup and Champions League in 2012, feels that the former midfielder is ready to step up as a Premier League manager.

‘He's definitely the right man, he's got personality,’ said the Italian.

‘I followed Derby last season and he plays very good football - he has all the experience in the world.

‘It's a great fit, whether it's right now or not? Only time can tell. You can't say it's too early, you have to give people a chance. He's got all the tools and it will make a lot of people happy if he is the next manager.’

Alessio takes charge of Kilmarnock

Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock have replaced one former Chelsea assistant coach with another after confirming on their official website that Steve Clarke is to be succeeded by Angelo Alessio.

The position had been vacant since Clarke left in May to become Scotland’s national coach but Killie have found an experienced coach to replace him in Alessio, who served as Antonio Conte’s assistant at Chelsea following spells with Juventus and the Italian national team.

‘It is a real honour for me to be named Kilmarnock manager,’ said the 54-year-old.

‘I’ve spent a lot of time researching and gathering information about the club and everyone I spoke to had nothing but positive things to say about Kilmarnock.

‘I can’t wait to get to work with the players and staff on the training pitch and building on the strong foundations left by Steve Clarke.’

Former Blues defender Clarke led Kilmarnock to third place in the Scottish Premiership last season as they secured qualification for the Europa League for the first time since 2001.

Abraham not afraid of penalty pressure

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has told the Daily Mail that he will not be deterred from taking a penalty at the UEFA Under-21 Championship despite his disappointment of missing a spot kick in England’s semi-final exit two years ago.

The 21-year-old was one of two England players to miss during the shootout against Germany in 2017, but he is determined to build on that painful experience as the Young Lions look to win the competition for the first time since 1984.

'Yes, it still hurts but I'll take it because that's what makes you who are,' said Abraham, who is coming off an impressive season on loan at Aston Villa, where his 26 goals helped them to win promotion back to the Premier League.

'It gives you the experience you need to move forward. I now know what to expect. I will always put myself in that position. I know what the pressure of taking a penalty is like.’

Taylor-Crossdale set to join Hoffenheim

The Daily Mirror is reporting that young forward Martell Taylor-Crossdale is set to join German side Hoffenheim following his release from Chelsea.

According to the report, the 19-year-old is travelling to Germany today to undergo a medical and complete his move to Hoffenheim, who finished ninth in the Bundesliga last season.

The Edmonton-born striker was a prolific scorer for Chelsea’s Under-18 sides in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons, netting 21 goals in each campaign as our Academy sides emerged victorious in the the FA Youth Cup and National Under-18 Premier League.

Taylor-Crossdale was also a member of the England Under-20 side which won the Toulon Tournament in 2017.